DES MOINES , Iowa -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Orangutans and bonobos in one of North America 's leading ape research centers are spending time high in their habitats to escape Iowa floodwaters , officials said Monday .

Floodwaters encroach on the bonobo facility at the Great Ape Trust of Iowa .

Water on the grounds of the Great Ape Trust of Iowa in Des Moines has been as high as 14 feet after flooding began last week .

Research , including the future and origins of culture , language , tool use and language in ape species , was brought to a standstill , officials said .

But at no time were the apes in danger .

`` The parts that house the animals all have drains , and being wet is a part of their daily routine , '' said Al Setka , director of communications .

Animals moved to the highest levels of their living quarters when they wanted to stay dry , the trust reported . The orangutan habitat is 30 feet high , and the bonobo one is 25 feet high , according to the trust 's Web site .

`` Today , we are just trying to finish cleaning out the living areas to give the apes access to all of their indoor space , '' Setka said Monday .

The trust 's Web site said the Des Moines facility , built in a former sand quarry , will be the largest in North America when it is completed .

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Water has been as a high as 14 feet at Great Ape Trust of Iowa

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Orangutans , bonobos spending time in upper levels of living quarters , officials say

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Research at a standstill at Des Moines facility